Copyright newsweek
A number of individuals seen wearing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent Halloween costumes have sparked backlash on social media. Why It Matters The backlash comes amid rising ICE activity nationwide under President Donald Trump’s administration. During the first 100 days of Trump’s second term, ICE reported that it arrested 66,463 undocumented immigrants and removed 65,682. A recent poll by The Economist/YouGov found that more Americans disapprove than approve of how Trump is handling immigration, with a -10 net approval. What To Know A College Republicans club at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire faced backlash after sharing photos from a Halloween costume contest where one participant dressed up as an ICE agent on Facebook. One image appears to show the man in the ICE agent costume pretending to arrest another individual. “UW-Eau Claire is aware of the incident that occurred Monday evening that involved Halloween costumes worn by individuals at a student organization meeting on campus. The event was not organized by the university,” UW-Eau Claire said in a statement to Newsweek. One Facebook user commented, “This is disgusting and unacceptable on so many levels,” while another wrote, “This is so wrong!” UW-Eau Claire College Democrats called the photo “distasteful” in a statement posted to Instagram. “With ICE becoming a presence in more communities and schools, fear and uncertainty have become an inevitable reality for many students,” the statement read. “As college campuses grapple with the appropriate response to this unprecedented situation it is up to student organizations to create a safe and welcoming environment for students.” Newsweek reached out to UW-Eau Claire College Republicans for comment. A former Vancouver, Washington, city council member issued a statement after she was seen wearing an ICE agent costume at a Halloween party, Seattle Times reported. Pat Jollota said the costume was meant to be a “political statement” and “critique” of ICE, but she now recognizes the symbolism could have a real and harmful impact, according to the outlet. A Reddit post appears to show photos of Jollota in the costume shared to Facebook. One Reddit user commented, “Despicable. I sent an email to City council,” while another said, “Gross.” Vancouver Mayor Anne McErney-Ogle said she attended the Halloween party but was only there for 45 minutes. “Images showing one individual dressed as an ICE Agent and another in what appears to be blackface are offensive, hurtful, and upsetting, to say the least,” McErney-Ogle said on Facebook. “Lastly, please know that I wholeheartedly do not condone, approve of, or agree with what occurred at the party, and I understand the impact it has had. Moving forward, I remain committed to listening, learning, and ensuring that our community spaces reflect the values of respect, including, and compassion that we all stand for.” A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent takes part in an early morning operation in Park Ridge, Illinois, September 19, 2025. What People Are Saying Vancouver Mayor Anne McErney-Ogle, on Facebook: “You may have heard concerns over the weekend about a Halloween party I attended. While I was only there 45 minutes, I’ve seen the comments and photos shared on social media. I want to acknowledge the impact those images had on the many in our community, particularly those I care so deeply about.” UW-Eau Claire College Democrats, in a statement: “This type of behavior has no place on our campus. Making light of a serious reality for people is never something a UWEC student organization should support nor promote.” Wisconsin College Republicans, on X: “MORE LEFTIST MELTDOWNS. When you’re making liberals upset, you know you’re on the right track.” Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.
